What is sustainability?
Sustainability is about balancing how we live our lives without harm to the environment. In particular, it is about using our natural resources wisely and where possible preventing an increase in greenhouse gas emissions leading to climate change.
What is climate change?
The climate refers to what is happening over several years, whereas weather refers to short-term conditions, such as what is happening today or in the next few days. Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, which are driven by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels in energy production, deforestation, industrial processes and agricultural practices. These human activities release greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane. As these gases are released into the atmosphere, this is leading to a gradual rise in the earth’s average temperature and this in turn is changing the climate.
What is happening to our climate?
Climate change means that, over time, weather patterns in a region are shifting, for example, in the UK we are already experiencing hotter and drier summers and significant flooding during the winter months. As the climate continues to change, these kinds of events are likely to happen more often.
What can we do?
There are many ways to be more sustainable. Here are some things you can do to help:
- drive and fly less
- eat less meat
- use electric vehicles
- replace gas boilers with electric heating
- support and protect nature